Noah Sinclair
Gel manicures are a great way to pamper yourself and get well-shaped, stylish nails. However, they don't last forever, and soon you'll notice a growth gap between your natural nail and the gel manicure. This usually happens within two to four weeks of getting the manicure done, but the timeframe varies from person to person. There are several ways to deal with this issue, including visiting a nail technician for a refill or removal, using regular nail polish to hide the gap, or opting for a negative space manicure that blends the gel with your natural nail. Proper nail care is essential, and you should be cautious when removing gel polish at home to avoid damaging your natural nails.
Dealing with Gel Nail Growth Gap
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long do gel nails last? | Gel nails typically last between 2 and 4 weeks before you need to address the growth gap. |
| When does the growth gap appear? | After 2-3 weeks, a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer will appear. |
| What is 'lifting'? | Lifting is when the edges of the gel layer start to come away from the natural nail plate. |
| How to address the growth gap? | Use regular nail polish to fill the gap, or get a professional refill from a nail technician. |
| How to prevent the gap from appearing? | Choose a design that blends with your natural nail, such as a negative space manicure, a French manicure, or an ombre design. |
| How to prolong the manicure? | Use products like Protein Bond and Swipe liquid to prevent chipping and ensure the gel adheres properly. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a nail design that blends with your natural nail colour
When your gel nails start to grow out, a gap will appear between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. This can occur as early as two weeks after your manicure. To avoid this, you can choose a nail design that blends with your natural nail colour, minimising the visibility of the growth gap.
A classic French manicure with a neutral or transparent gel colour is a great option for blending with your natural nail colour. You can also opt for an ombre effect, with lots of colour at the tip that fades down to nudes or neutrals at the base. This will make the regrowth gap less noticeable. Negative space manicures, where most of the design is at the tip of the nail, can also be effective at hiding the growth gap.
If you prefer bolder colours, you can still incorporate your natural nail colour into the design. Start by using clear or nude polish as a base and add patterns or accents in strategic places. You can also use a colour wheel to find shades that complement your natural nail colour. Choose a colour that is a few shades darker or lighter than your natural nail, or opt for a contrasting shade to create a statement look.
For a more natural and understated look, consider a single-colour application using a nude shade that closely matches or slightly complements your skin tone. Matte finishes or a slight shimmer can add an extra touch of sophistication. Very sheer polishes in light pink or beige can also enhance the natural colour of your nails, giving them a glossy and clean look.
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Use regular nail polish to fill in the gap
If you can't get to a salon for a professional refill, a simple way to hide an obvious and unsightly growth gap is to use regular nail polish. This method works for both block colours and patterned nails.
For block colours, simply pair your regular polish with your manicured gel polish colour and fill in the gap. If your nails are patterned, you can either extend the pattern onto your natural nail with a collection of regular polishes or choose the most prominent colour from the design and fill the gap with that. For a bolder look, you could even fill the growth gap with a contrasting colour to create a statement design.
Glitter nail polish is a great option for filling in regrowth gaps as it is extremely adhesive and easy to apply. It also has the added benefit of hiding any lumps and bumps that may be more visible when using regular polish.
While it is possible to fill in the growth gap with regular nail polish, it is important to note that gel nails typically last between 2 and 4 weeks, after which there may be signs of lifting, which can damage your natural nails. Therefore, if you notice any lifting, it is recommended to visit your nail technician for a refill or removal.
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Visit a nail technician for a professional refill
Visiting a nail technician for a professional refill is the best way to deal with a gel nail growth gap. While there are some temporary solutions you can try at home, nothing will replace the quality of a professional gel refill or touch-up.
Gel nails typically start to show a visible gap between the natural nail and the gel after about two weeks, and this can be unsightly. The growth gap can be harder to hide if you have coloured gel nails. While you can try to cover the gap with regular nail polish, this can make lumps and bumps more visible.
A professional nail technician will be able to assess the condition of your nails and perform a gel refill, which will be more durable and longer-lasting than any temporary solution. They will also be able to advise you on aftercare to prolong the life of your gel manicure.
If you notice any lifting or damage to your gel nails, it is important to visit a nail technician as soon as possible. Lifting can expose your natural nails to water and air, which can cause them to become weak and brittle and potentially damage them. A professional will be able to repair or remove the gel nails to prevent further issues.
To maintain the quality of your gel manicure, it is recommended to avoid water and strenuous activities with your hands. It is also important to have your gel nails removed by a professional to protect your natural nails from damage.
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Try a negative space manicure
Negative space manicures are a great way to deal with gel nail growth gaps. This style incorporates your natural nail into the design of your manicure, so when your gel regrowth gap starts to form, it just looks like part of the design. The classic look involves a nude base with a contrasting design on top.
The negative space style works well with a French manicure, where a neutral or transparent gel colour is used for most of the design. When your natural nails begin to grow, the regrowth gap will be hardly noticeable. Ombre nails are another great style for minimising the visibility of a growth gap. This style features lots of colour at the tip that fades down to nudes and neutrals at the base.
If most of the design of your gel manicure is done at the tip of your nail, negative space manicures can prolong your manicure, making it last around a month. You can be adventurous with your designs; stripes, glitter, ombre, and diagonal blocks of colour can all look great with a little nude nail at the base. You can also get creative with stripes and checkers, leaving just a strip of natural nail at the cuticle.
Negative space manicures are a versatile trend that can be adapted for all nail shapes and lengths. You can make the space as narrow or thick as you like, leaving room for dotting, gems, and nail art.
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Avoid water and strenuous activities to prolong the manicure
Gel nails typically last between two and four weeks, after which you may notice a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. To prolong your manicure, it is important to avoid water and strenuous activities, as these can cause chipping and lifting, compromising the manicure.
Before your manicure, it is best to avoid water entirely. Soaking your hands in water causes the nails to retain moisture and expand. Once the nails become dehydrated, they will shrink, and your nail polish will chip as it no longer fits your nails. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your hands dry before your manicure to prevent instant chipping.
After your manicure, it is also important to avoid constant water exposure and strenuous activities. Water-intense tasks, such as doing the dishes, can cause chipping as the polish cannot contract and expand with your nails. Strenuous activities, such as gardening, can also cause contact with harsh chemicals and soaps, which can dry out your nails and lead to chipping. To protect your nails, it is advisable to wear gloves when performing such tasks.
Additionally, activities that involve the use of metal tools or blades, such as cutting calluses or ingrown toenails, should be avoided. These activities can increase the risk of infection and damage to your nails. Overall, by avoiding water and strenuous activities, you can prolong the life of your manicure and maintain the appearance and condition of your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, gel nails last between 2 to 4 weeks. After 2 to 3 weeks, you may start to notice a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. You may also notice that the edges of the gel are lifting, which is known as "lifting" in the industry.
If you can't get to a salon, you can try to hide the gap with a coat of regular nail polish. Choose a colour that matches your manicure, or go for a bold look with a contrasting colour. Glitter nail polish, in particular, is a good option for disguising lumps and bumps. Alternatively, you can try a negative space manicure, where the design of your gel manicure is mostly at the tip of your nail, making the growth gap less noticeable.
Opt for a classic French manicure, where the tips remain intact and the growth gap is less visible. You can also try an ombre manicure, with colour at the tip that fades into nudes or neutrals at the base.
It's best to visit your nail technician for a refill or removal as soon as you notice any lifting, as leaving your gel nails to grow out can cause them to become weak and brittle.
